Science Museum of Virginia
Where Character and History Are Unparalleled.
From the majestic Broad Street Station Rotunda and marble pillars, to the newly added sleek steel and glass Dewey Gottwald Center, the Science Museum offers customizable settings for any occasion.
Whether you’re planning a small or large meeting, intimate gathering or a grand-scale affair, our facilities are equipped to accommodate events of all sizes. You can even utilize our preferred caterers to help with not just food/beverage, but your design and decorations as well. Prior to your event, our on-site planner will collaborate with you to ensure every detail is covered. Additionally, on your special day, a host of professional and courteous staff will make certain your event runs seamlessly.
Let your imagination soar with this historic blank palate to bring your event to a stunning realization. Whether you are looking for elegance or casual fun, let us help you plan your special event today!
Dewey Gottwald Center
Capacities: Seated 500
A Modern, Sleek, and Memorable Venue
Host your event in the Dewey Gottwald Center, the newest addition to our campus. Equipped with contemporary finishes and a dynamic floor plan, this sleek steel and glass structure is a stunning location to host your retreat, conference, wedding, or lecture. Make a grand entrance into a modern building through a private entry with direct access to parking.
The space can hold a maximum of 500 guests for a seated affair and 1,000 for a lecture-style event. The large open space and creativity of our clients allows us to host vendor shows, proms, and even wine tastings!
The Dewey Gottwald Center has the capability to be partitioned into two smaller sections, Gallery 1 and Gallery 2. This additional versatility allows us to accommodate events of 250 guests or smaller. Hold your wedding ceremony and reception all at the Dewey Gottwald Center by using the Galleries and/or Terrace.
The space has an outdoor Terrace providing a beautiful view of the sunset behind the Dome Theater and a view of the historic train canopies at Broad Street Station. Shade can be added to the space by renting a tent for the area.
Rotunda
Capacities: Seated 250
The Rotunda features a magnificent five-story dome unlike any other in Richmond.
Housed in a former train station designed by renowned architect John Russell Pope, the Rotunda is ideal for a cocktail party, wedding reception or corporate event. Your guests will be dazzled by the grandeur of the architecture and history.
With the Foucault pendulum as a scientific and elegant centerpiece, the Rotunda is able to host 250 seated guests. Removal of the pendulum is possible and adds an additional 50 seats for guests.
There are several spaces that can be added on to the Rotunda to enhance guest experience. The first is the RF&P Forum located adjacent to the Rotunda. Originally Broad Street Station’s dining room, this is a terrific place for a cocktail party or wedding ceremony.
During the spring, summer and fall you may host a cocktail hour on the Front Portico. This allows your guests to explore the grand architecture from the outside and experience the iconic Earth Kugel and more.
Lastly, allow your guests to experience the science behind the SR-71 Blackbird or face off against an air-hockey robot by adding the Speed exhibit to your event. A Science Museum Educator will be on site to help facilitate your guests throughout the evening, a wonderful way to experience the Science Museum after hours.
Garner Pavilion
Capacity: Seated 800
Use the historic train ramp to make your grand entrance. Located on the western side of the Science Museum, the Garner Pavilion hosts a scenic outdoor setting among the historic train canopies at Broad Street Station.
Your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour and reception can all happen in the same space surrounded by Richmond’s history. Antique trains, the original Earth Kugel and the Aluminaut (world’s first aluminum submarine) surround the open area.
Thalhimer Pavilion
Capacities: Seated 500
Gather under the historic train canopies. The Thalhimer Pavilion is a tented area encompassing historic trainsheds located on the eastern side of the Science Museum. This space is a wonderfully unique space for your next company party, wedding reception or high school prom.
The Thalhimer Pavilion also includes an outdoor space that would suit wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours or an indoor/outdoor event.
The Dome & Lobby
Capacity: Seated 250
The ultimate you-are-there experience. Host an elegant reception and shoot for the stars underneath Virginia’s largest screen! Choose a giant screen presentation from our collection to enjoy a screening just for your group.
Barbara Thalhimer Theater
Capacity: Seated 126
This newly renovated presentation facility is available for multimedia programs, screen presentations and speakers. Featuring seating up to 120 Guests.
RF&P Forum
Capacities: Seated 100
Celebrate the history of Broad Street Station in the RF&P Forum. Originally Broad Street Station’s dining room, the RF&P Forum is a terrific place for a business meeting, cocktail party or lunch gathering. Featuring seating for up to 100 guests. Celebrate the history of Broad Street Station in the RF&P Forum. Originally Broad Street Station’s dining room, the RF&P Forum is a terrific place for a business meeting, cocktail party or lunch gathering. Featuring seating for up to 100 guests.
Clients booking the RF&P Forum can add the Rotunda for larger events or our Speed exhibit to give your guests a look at the awe inspiring science behind all things fast and slow!
FAQ
How much does it cost to rent a Science Museum space?
Please contact the Science Museum’s Special Events team for detailed pricing and information. Our team can also provide you with a facility rental brochure which lists prices, capacities, rooms and our preferred catering list.
Can I view the Science Museum’s rental spaces?
Yes, please contact Science Museum’s Special Events team to arrange a tour of our available spaces.
Do you include tables/chairs with the fee?
Yes, a select amount of tables/chairs are available. Please contact a Special Events team member for specific quantities based on the rental space
Is there a deposit?
Yes, a non-refundable deposit which is due at the time of contract signing.
When is the balance due?
The balance is due 60 days before your event date.
What time can Science Museum events begin?
Most of our spaces are available all day; however, some like the Rotunda or Dome are only available after 5 pm. Please contact the Science Museum’s Special Events team for further information.
What time does my event need to end?
We ask that events conclude by 11 pm. Please contact the Science Museum’s Special Events team for further information.
Can anyone cater an event at the Science Museum?
The Science Museum has a preferred catering list that we ask you to choose from for your event. If you decide to select a caterer not featured on the preferred catering list, an additional fee will apply.
Do you have certain vendors that you have to use?
The Science Museum has a preferred catering list, but other vendors are welcome. Please have your vendor contact the Science Museum’s Special Events team for policies.
Do you have a stage available?
Yes. The Science Museum has a stage available on a first come, first serve basis.
Are bands or DJs allowed?
Yes, live bands and DJs are permitted during special events.
Can the Foucault Pendulum be removed from the Rotunda during my event?
Yes, for an additional fee the Foucault Pendulum can be removed during your special event. This adds to the maximum amount of guests that can attend an event in the Rotunda.
If we rent a space at the Science Museum for our wedding ceremony, are we allowed a rehearsal?
If the space is available, yes. If the space is unavailable, the Science Museum’s Special Events team will find a suitable alternative for your rehearsal.
Are pictures allowed at the Science Museum?
Yes, photography is permitted in the Science Museum.
Can we serve alcohol at our event?
Yes, alcohol is allowed in all of our rental spaces. The Science Museum’s preferred caterers can assist you with staffing and stocking a bar, and will also provide the ABC license for the event.
Is security included?
The Science Museum includes a certain amount of security guards for your event. If it is deemed that further security is necessary, either by the client or the Science Museum of Virginia, the client is responsible for the additional expenditure.
Can our guests explore the Science Museum exhibitions?
Yes, your guests may visit the Science Museum exhibition galleries as part of your event. Please ask the Science Museum’s Special Events team about availability and price.